Will Squinting Or Rubbing My Eyes Cause Wrinkles?

June 1, 2009

Dawn Davis, M.D., Dermatologist, Mayo Clinic

Question: Will squinting or rubbing my eyes cause wrinkles?

Answer: Rubbing of the eyes will not directly cause wrinkles; however, when you rub your eyes you can cause the skin there to be irritated, so it may look red or swollen. If you persistently rub your eyes, your skin there will thicken sort of like a callous. Squinting can exacerbate wrinkles and also lead to wrinkling.

This is because when you squint the muscles around your eyes grow stronger, and it's kind of like a workout; therefore, the overlying skin will wrinkle. So if you tend to squint, if outdoors wear sunglasses and if you feel that it's because you can't see well, please obtain eyeglasses from your opthamologist.

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